Camera with text-based image manipulation

ABSTRACT

A convenient form of text editing in a camera device utilizing complex character sets is disclosed. The device includes a digital camera device able to sense an image; a manipulation data entry card adapted to be inserted into the digital camera device and to provide manipulation instructions for manipulating the image, including the addition of text to the image; a text entry device for the entry of the text which includes a series of non-roman font characters utilised by the digital camera device in conjunction with the manipulation instructions so as to create new text characters for addition to the image. The font characters are transmitted to the digital camera device when required and rendered by the camera in accordance with the manipulation instructions. The non-roman characters can include at least one of Hebrew, Cyrillic, Arabic, Kanji, or Chinese characters.

[0001] This application is a Continuation of Ser. No. 09/112,796 filed Jul. 10, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to digital image processing and in particular discloses Image Production Utilising Text Editing Including Complex Character Sets.

[0003] Further the present invention relates to the creation of digital images and in particular, discloses a method of editing text where the text may comprise complex character sets such as non-roman character sets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Recently, a new form of camera system has been proposed by the present applicant. The camera system, hereinafter known as “Artcam” includes a means for the printing out of a sensed image on demand. The system proposed further provides for the manipulation of the sensed image by an onboard processor. The manipulation user interface can comprise the insertion of various “Artcards” into the camera device so as to provide for a form of manipulation of the sensed image.

[0005] A number of the image manipulations performed include for the insertion or provision of text with the image. Suitable fonts are then stored within the artcam device or on the artcard and the fonts are then utilised for insertion of text characters into an image, the insertion being through the utilisation of a separate keyboard attached to the Artcam device.

[0006] A great deal of the world's population does not utilised roman character fonts in written text. Other languages such as Hebrew, Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Kanji etc utilise their own character fonts. Unfortunately, the storage of each of these fonts on an Artcard is not possible especially where each character of a font is to be stored in the form of a complex image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide for a convenient form of text editing in a camera device for complex character sets.

[0008] In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for text editing an image comprising a digital camera device able to sense an image; a manipulation data entry card adapted to be inserted into said digital camera device and to provide manipulation instructions to said digital camera device for manipulating said image, said manipulation instructions including the addition of text to said image; a text entry device connected to said digital camera device for the entry of said text for addition to said image wherein said text entry device includes a series of non-roman font characters utilised by said digital camera device in conjunction with said manipulation instructions so as to create new text characters for addition to said image.

[0009] Preferably, the font characters are transmitted to said digital camera device when required and rendered by said apparatus in accordance with said manipulation instructions so as to create said new text characters. The manipulation data entry card can include a rendered roman font character set and the non-roman characters include at least one of Hebrew, Cyrillic, Arabic, Kanji, or Chinese characters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a first arrangement of the preferred embodiment; and

[0012]FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of the operation of the preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The preferred embodiment is preferably implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. P07991 filed Jul. 15, 1997 entitled “Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01)”, in addition to Australian Provisional Patent Application entitled “Image Processing Method and Apparatus (ART01a)” filed concurrently herewith by the present applicant, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference.

[0014] The aforementioned patent specifications disclose a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an internal Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as “Artcards”. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.

[0015] Turning now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated 1, the arrangement of the preferred embodiment which includes an Artcam device 2, being interconnected to a text input device 3 which can comprise a touch pad LCD with appropriate character recognition. Alternatively, the text input device can comprise a keyboard entry device eg. 4. A suitable form of text input device 3 can comprise an Apple Newton (Trade Mark) device suitably adapted and programmed so as to interconnect with the Artcam device 2. Alternatively, other forms of text input device 3 can be utilised. Further, the Artcard device 5 is provided for insertion in the Artcam 2 so as to manipulate the sensed image in accordance with the schema as illustrated on the surface of the Artcard, the manipulations being more fully discussed in the aforementioned patent specifications.

[0016] Turning now to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the preferred form of operation of the preferred embodiment. In this form of operation, the Artcard 5 is encoded with a Vark script which includes a font as defined for a roman character set and a description of how to create extra characters in this font. The description can comprise, for example, how to manipulate an outlined path so as to create new characters within the font.

[0017] The input device 3, 4 includes input device fonts stored therein. The input device fonts can be utilised for the display of information by the text input devices 3, 4, particularly in non roman character sets. Hence, the input devices 3, 4 can be utilised for the entry of text fields as required by the Artcard 5. Upon entry, the outline of the font is downloaded to Artcam unit 2 which is responsible for processing the outline in accordance with the instructions encoded on Artcard 5 for the creation of extra characters. The characters are therefore created by Artcam device 2 and rendered as part of the output image which is subsequently printed to form output image 6.

[0018] Utilising this method of operation, the flexibility of the Artcam device 2 is substantially extended without requiring the Artcam device 2 or Artcard device 5 to store each possible arrangement of fonts in each possible language. In this way, it is only necessary for the text input devices eg. 3, 4 to be country specific which substantially reduces the complexity of models which must be made available for operation of the Artcam device 2 in a non-roman character language format.

[0019] It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0020] Ink Jet Technologies

[0021] The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

[0022] The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

[0023] The most significant problem with piezoelectric ink jet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewidth print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

[0024] Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:

[0025] low power (less than 10 Watts)

[0026] high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

[0027] photographic quality output

[0028] low manufacturing cost

[0029] small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

[0030] high speed (<2 seconds per page).

[0031] All of these features can be met or exceeded by the ink jet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. Forty-five different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.

[0032] The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems.

[0033] For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest print head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.

[0034] Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

[0035] The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case: Docket No. Reference Title IJ01US IJ01 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer IJ02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US IJ03 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ05US IJ05 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06US IJ06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US IJ07 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US IJ08 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US IJ09 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer IJ10US IJ10 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ11US IJ11 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US IJ12 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US IJ13 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer IJ14US IJ14 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ15US IJ15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer IJ16US IJ16 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ18US IJ18 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ19US IJ19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer IJ20US IJ20 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US IJ21 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer IJ22US IJ22 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US IJ23 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer IJ25US IJ25 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer IJ26US IJ26 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US IJ28 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer IJ29US IJ29 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ30US IJ30 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer IJ31US IJ31 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer IJ32US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ33US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer IJ34US IJ34 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiled spring IJ35US IJ35 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer IJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet IJ37US IJ37 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US IJ39 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device IJ40US IJ40 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator units IJ41US IJ41 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered heater element IJ42US IJ42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44US IJ44 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45US IJ45 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer

[0036] Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

[0037] Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.

[0038] The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.

[0039] Actuator mechanism (18 types)

[0040] Basic operation mode (7 types)

[0041] Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

[0042] Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

[0043] Actuator motion (19 types)

[0044] Nozzle refill method (4 types)

[0045] Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

[0046] Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

[0047] Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

[0048] Drop ejection direction (5 types)

[0049] Ink type (7 types)

[0050] The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 above.

[0051] Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these forty-five examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into ink jet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available ink jet technology.

[0052] Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, a print technology may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.

[0053] Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

[0054] The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables. Actuator Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal An electrothermal heater Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet 1979 bubble heats the ink to above Simple construction Ink carrier limited to water Endo et al GB patent boiling point, transferring No moving parts Low efficiency 2,007,162 significant heat to the Fast operation High temperatures required Xerox heater-in-pit aqueous ink. A bubble Small chip area required for High mechanical stress 1990 Hawkins et al nucleates and quickly actuator Unusual materials required U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 forms, expelling the ink. Large drive transistors Hewlett-Packard TIJ The efficiency of the Cavitation causes actuator failure 1982 Vaught et al process is low, with Kogation reduces bubble formation U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 typically less than 0.05% Large print heads are difficult to fabricate of the electrical energy being transformed into kinetic energy of the drop. Piezo- A piezoelectric crystal Low power consumption Very large area required for actuator Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. electric such as lead lanthanum Many ink types can be used Difficult to integrate with electronics 3,946,398 zirconate (PZT) is Fast operation High voltage drive transistors required Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. electrically activated, and High efficiency Full pagewidth print heads impractical due 3,683,212 either expands, shears, or to actuator size 1973 Stemme bends to apply pressure to Requires electrical poling in high field U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,120 the ink, ejecting drops. strengths during manufacture Epson Stylus Tektronix IJ04 Electro- An electric field is used Low power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. 0.01%) Seiko Epson, Usui et all strictive to activate Many ink types can be used Large area required for actuator due to low JP 253401/96 electrostriction in relaxor Low thermal expansion strain IJ04 materials such as lead Electric field strength required Response speed is marginal (˜10 μs) lanthanum zirconate (approx. 3.5 V/μm) can be High voltage drive transistors required titanate (PLZT) or lead generated without difficulty Full pagewidth print heads impractical due magnesium niobate (PMN). Does not require electrical to actuator size poling Ferro- An electric field is used Low power consumption Difficult to integrate with electronics IJ04 electric to induce a phase Many ink types can be used Unusual materials such as PLZSnT are transition between the Fast operation (<1 μS) required antiferroelectric (AFE) and Relatively high longitudinal Actuators require a large area ferroelectric (FE) phase. strain Perovskite materials such High efficiency as tin modified lead Electric field strength of lanthanum zirconate around 3 V/μm can be readily titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit provided large strains of up to 1% associated with the AFE to FE phase transition. Electro- Conductive plates are Low power consumption Difficult to operate electrostatic devices in IJ02, IJ04 static separated by a compressible Many ink types can be used an aqueous environment plates or fluid dielectric Fast operation The electrostatic actuator will normally (usually air). Upon need to be separated from the ink application of a voltage, Very large area required to achieve high the plates attract each forces other and displace ink, High voltage drive transistors may be causing drop ejection. The required conductive plates may be in Full pagewidth print heads are not a comb or honeycomb competitive due to actuator size structure, or stacked to increase the surface area and therefore the force. Electro- A strong electric field is Low current consumption High voltage required 1989 Saito et al, U.S. Pat. No. static applied to the ink, Low temperature May be damaged by sparks due to air 4,799,068 pull on whereupon electrostatic breakdown 1989 Miura et al, ink attraction accelerates the Required field strength increases as the U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,954 ink towards the print drop size decreases Tone-jet medium. High voltage drive transistors required Electrostatic field attracts dust Perma- An electromagnet directly Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ07, IJ10 nent attracts a permanent Many ink types can be used Permanent magnetic material such as magnet magnet, displacing ink and Fast operation Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) electro- causing drop ejection. Rare High efficiency required. mag- earth magnets with a field Easy extension from single High local currents required netic strength around 1 Tesla can nozzles to pagewidth print Copper metalization should be used for be used. Examples are: heads long electromigration lifetime and low Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) resistivity and magnetic materials Pigmented inks are usually infeasible in the neodymium iron Operating temperature limited to the Curie boron family (NdFeB, temperature (around 540 K) NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Soft A solenoid induced a Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05, IJ08, IJ10 mag- magnetic field in a soft Many ink types can be used Materials not usually present in a CMOS IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17 netic magnetic core or yoke Fast operation fab such as NiFe, CoNiFe, or CoFe are core fabricated from a ferrous High efficiency required electro- material such as Easy extension from single High local currents required mag- electroplated iron alloys nozzles to pagewidth print Copper metalization should be used for netic such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe, heads long electromigration lifetime and low or NiFe alloys. Typically, resistivity the soft magnetic material Electroplating is required is in two parts, which are High saturation flux density is required normally held apart by a (2.0-2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1]) spring. When the solenoid is actuated, the two parts attract, displacing the ink. Mag- The Lorenz force acting on Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting motion IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16 netic a current carrying wire in Many ink types can be used Typically, only a quarter of the solenoid Lorenz a magnetic field is Fast operation length provides force in a useful direction force utilized. High efficiency High local currents required This allows the magnetic Easy extension from single Copper metalization should be used for field to be supplied nozzles to pagewidth print long electromigration lifetime and low externally to the print heads resistivity head, for example with rare Pigmented inks are usually infeasible earth permanent magnets. Only the current carrying wire need be fabricated on the print-head, simplifying materials requirements. Mag- The actuator uses the giant Many ink types can be used Force acts as a twisting motion Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No. neto- magnetostrictive effect of Fast operation Unusual materials such as Terfenol-D are 4,032,929 striction materials such as Easy extension from single required IJ25 Terfenol-D (an alloy nozzles to pagewidth print High local currents required of terbium, dysprosium heads Copper metalization should be used for and iron developed at High force is available long electromigration lifetime and low the Naval Ordnance resistivity Laboratory, hence Pre-stressing may be required Ter-Fe-NOL). For best efficiency, the actuator should be pre-stressed to approx. 8 MPa. Surface Ink under positive pressure Low power consumption Requires supplementary force to effect Silverbrook, EP 0771 tension is held in a nozzle by Simple construction drop separation 658 A2 and related reduc- surface tension. The No unusual materials required Requires special ink surfactants patent applications tion surface tension of the ink in fabrication Speed may be limited by surfactant. is reduced below the bubble High efficiency properties threshold, causing the ink Easy extension from single to egress from the nozzle. nozzles to pagewidth print heads Vis- The ink viscosity is Simple construction Requires supplementary force to effect Silverbrook, EP 0771 cosity locally reduced to select No unusual materials required drop separation 658 A2 and related reduc- which drops are to be in fabrication Requires special ink viscosity properties patent applications tion ejected. A viscosity Easy extension from single High speed is difficult to achieve reduction can be achieved nozzles to pagewidth print Requires oscillating ink pressure electrothermally with most heads A high temperature difference (typically inks, but special inks can 80 degrees) is required be engineered for a 100:1 viscosity reduction. Acous- An acoustic wave is Can operate without a nozzle Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu et al, tic generated and focussed plate Complex fabrication EUP 550,192 upon the drop ejection Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, EUP region. Poor control of drop position 572,220 Poor control of drop volume Ther- An actuator which relies Low power consumption Efficient aqueous operation requires a IJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18 mo- upon differential thermal Many ink types can be used thermal insulator on the hot side IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22 elastic expansion upon Joule Simple planar fabrication Corrosion prevention can be difficult IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 bend heating is used. Small chip area required for Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 actuator each actuator pigment particles may jam the bend IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 Fast operation actuator IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40 High efficiency IJ41 CMOS compatible voltages and currents Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads High A material with a very high High force can be generated Requires special material (e.g. PTFE) IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 CTE coefficient of thermal PTFE is a candidate for low Requires a PTFE deposition process, IJ21, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 thermo- expansion (CTE) such as dielectric constant which is not yet standard in ULSI fabs IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30 elastic polytetrafluoroethylene insulation in ULSI PTFE deposition cannot be followed with IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 actuator (PTFE) is used. As high Very low power consumption high temperature (above 350° C.) CTE materials are Many ink types can be used processing usually non-conductive, Simple planar fabrication Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as a heater fabricated from Small chip area required for pigment particles may jam the bend a conductive material is each actuator actuator incorporated. A 50 μm long Fast operation PTFE bend actuator with High efficiency polysilicon heater and CMOS compatible voltages 15 mW power input can and currents provide 180 μN force Easy extension from single and 10 μm deflection. nozzles to pagewidth print Actuator motions heads include: Bend Push Buckle Rotate Con- A polymer with a high High force can be generated Requires special materials development IJ24 ductive coefficient of thermal Very low power consumption (High CTE conductive polymer) polymer expansion (such as PTFE) Many ink types can be used Requires a PTFE deposition process, thermo- is doped with conducting Simple planar fabrication which is not yet standard in ULSI fabs elastic substances to increase its Small chip area required for PTFE deposition cannot be followed with actuator conductivity to about 3 each actuator high temperature (above 350° C.) orders of magnitude below Fast operation processing that of copper. The High efficiency Evaporation and CVD deposition conducting polymer CMOS compatible voltages techniques cannot be used expands when resistively and currents Pigmented inks may be infeasible, as heated. Examples of Easy extension from single pigment particles may jam the bend conducting dopants nozzles to pagewidth print actuator include: heads Carbon nanotubes Metal fibers Conductive polymers such as doped polythiophene Carbon granules Shape A shape memory alloy such High force is available Fatigue limits maximum number of cycles IJ26 memory as TiNi (also known as (stresses of hundreds of MPa) Low strain (1%) is required to extend alloy Nitinol —Nickel Titanium Large strain is available (more fatigue resistance alloy developed at the than 3%) Cycle rate limited by heat removal Naval Ordnance Labo- High corrosion resistance Requires unusual materials (TiNi) ratory) is thermally Simple construction The latent heat of transformation must be switched between its Easy extension from single provided weak martensitic state nozzles to pagewidth print High current operation and its high stiffness heads Requires pre-stressing to distort the austenic state. The shape Low voltage operation martensitic state of the actuator in its martensitic state is deformed relative to the austenic shape. The shape change causes ejection of a drop. Linear Linear magnetic actuators Linear Magnetic actuators can Requires unusual semiconductor materials IJ12 Mag- include the Linear be constructed with high such as soft magnetic alloys (e.g. CoNiFe netic Induction Actuator (LIA), thrust, long travel, and high [1]) Actu- Linear Permanent Magnet efficiency using planar Some varieties also require permanent ator Synchronous Actuator semiconductor fabrication magnetic materials such as Neodymium (LPMSA), Linear techniques iron boron (NdFeB) Reluctance Synchronous Long actuator travel is Requires complex multi-phase drive Actuator (LRSA), Linear available circuitry Switched Reluctance Medium force is available High current operation Actuator (LSRA), Low voltage operation and the Linear Stepper Actuator (LSA).

[0055] Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator This is the simplest mode Simple operation Drop repetition rate is usually limited to Thermal inkjet directly of operation: the actuator No external fields required less than 10 KHz. However, this is not Piezoelectric inkjet pushes ink directly supplies Satellite drops can be avoided fundamental to the method, but is related to IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04 sufficient kinetic energy if drop velocity is less than 4 m/s the refill method normally used IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09 to expel the drop. The drop Can be efficient, depending All of the drop kinetic energy must be IJ11, IJ12, IJ14, IJ16 must have a sufficient upon the actuator used provided by the actuator IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 velocity to overcome the Satellite drops usually form if drop velocity IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 surface tension. is greater than 4.5 m/s IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40 IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity The drops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires close proximity between the print Silverbrook, EP 0771 selected by some manner fabrication can be used head and the print media or transfer roller 658 A2 and related (e.g. thermally induced The drop selection means does May require two print heads printing patent applications surface tension reduction not need to provide the energy alternate rows of the image of pressurized ink). required to separate the drop Monolithic color print heads are difficult Selected drops are from the nozzle separated from the ink in the nozzle by contact with the print medium or a transfer roller. Electrostatic The drops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires very high electrostatic field Silverbrook, EP 0771 pull on ink selected by some manner fabrication can be used Electrostatic field for small nozzle sizes is 658 A2 and related (e.g. thermally induced The drop selection means does above air breakdown patent applications surface tension reduction not need to provide the energy Electrostatic field may attract dust Tone-Jet of pressurized ink). required to separate the drop Selected drops are from the nozzle separated from the ink in the nozzle by a strong electric field. Magnetic The drops to be printed are Very simple print head Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 pull on selected by some manner fabrication can be used Ink colors other than black are difficult 658 A2 and related ink (e.g. thermally induced The drop selection means does Requires very high magnetic fields patent applications surface tension reduction not need to provide the energy of pressurized ink). required to separate the drop Selected drops are from the nozzle separated from the ink in the nozzle by a strong magnetic field acting on the magnetic ink. Shutter The actuator moves a High speed (>50 KHz) Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 shutter to block ink flow operation can be achieved due Requires ink pressure modulator to the nozzle. The ink to reduced refill time Friction and wear must be considered pressure is pulsed at a Drop timing can be very Stiction is possible multiple of the drop accurate ejection frequency. The actuator energy can be very low Shuttered The actuator moves a Actuators with small travel can Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19 grill shutter to block ink flow be used Requires ink pressure modulator through a grill to the Actuators with small force can Friction and wear must be considered nozzle. The shutter be used Stiction is possible movement need only be equal Highspeed (>50 KHz) to the width of the grill operation can be achieved holes. Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field Extremely low energy Requires an external pulsed magnetic field IJ10 magnetic attracts an ‘ink pusher’ at operation is possible Requires special materials for both the pull on ink the drop ejection No heat dissipation problems actuator and the ink pusher pusher frequency. An actuator Complex construction controls a catch, which prevents the ink pusher from moving when a drop is not to be ejected.

[0056] Auxiliary Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directly fires Simplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must be supplied by Most inkjets, including the ink drop, and there is Simplicity of operation individual nozzle actuator piezoelectric and no external field or other Small physical size thermal bubble. mechanism required. IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating ink The ink pressure Oscillating ink pressure can Requires external ink pressure oscillator Silverbrook, EP 0771 pressure oscillates, providing much provide a refill pulse, allowing Ink pressure phase and amplitude must be 658 A2 and related (including of the drop ejection higher operating speed carefully controlled patent applications acoustic energy. The actuator The actuators may operate with Acoustic reflections in the ink chamber IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 stimulation) selects which drops are to much lower energy must be designed for IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 be fired by selectively Acoustic lenses can be used to blocking or enabling focus the sound on the nozzles nozzles. The ink pressure oscillation may be achieved by vibrating the print head, or preferably by an actuator in the ink supply. Media The print head is placed in Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771 proximity close proximity to the High accuracy Paper fibers may cause problems 658 A2 and related print medium. Selected Simple print head construction Cannot print on rough substrates patent applications drops protrude from the print head further than unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer roller Drops are printed to a High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771 transfer roller instead of Wide range of print substrates Expensive 658 A2 and related straight to the print can be used Complex construction patent applications medium. A transfer roller Ink can be dried on the transfer Tektronix hot melt can also be used for roller piezoelectric inkjet proximity drop separation. Any of the IJ series Electrostatic An electric field is used Low power Field strength required for separation of Silverbrook, EP 0771 to accelerate selected Simple print head construction small drops is near or above air breakdown 658 A2 and related drops towards the print patent applications medium. Tone-Jet Direct A magnetic field is used to Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 magnetic accelerate selected drops Simple print head construction Requires strong magnetic field 658 A2 and related field of magnetic ink towards the patent applications print medium. Cross magnetic The print head is placed in Does not require magnetic Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16 field a constant magnetic field. materials to be integrated in the Current densities may be high, resulting in The Lorenz force in a print head manufacturing electromigration problems current carrying wire is process used to move the actuator. Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is Very low power operation is Complex print head construction IJ10 magnetic used to cyclically attract possible Magnetic materials required in print head field a paddle, which pushes on Small print head size the ink. A small actuator moves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

[0057] Actuator amplification Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuator mechanical Operational simplicity Many actuator mechanisms have Thermal Bubble Inkjet amplification is used. The insufficient travel, or insufficient force, to IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07 actuator directly drives efficiently drive the drop ejection process IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 the drop ejection process. Differential An actuator material Provides greater travel in a High stresses are involved Piezoelectric expansion expands more on one side reduced print head area Care must be taken that the materials do not IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24 bend than on the other. The The bend actuator converts a delaminate IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, IJ42, actuator expansion may be thermal, high force low travel actuator Residual bend resulting from high IJ43, IJ44 piezoelectric, mechanism to high travel, temperature or high stress during formation magnetostrictive, or other lower force mechanism. mechanism, Transient A trilayer bend actuator Very good temperature High stresses are involved IJ40, IJ41 bend where the two outside stability Care must be taken that the materials do not actuator layers are identical. This High speed, as a new drop can delaminate cancels bend due to ambient be fired before heat dissipates temperature and residual Cancels residual stress of stress. The actuator only formation responds to transient heating of one side or the other. Actuator A series of thin actuators Increased travel Increased fabrication complexity Some piezoelectric ink stack are stacked. This can be Reduced drive voltage Increased possibility of short circuits due to jets appropriate where actuators pinholes IJ04 require high electric field strength, such as electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiple smaller actuators Increases the force available Actuator forces may not add linearly, IJ12, IJ13, IJ18, IJ20 actuators are used simultaneously to from an actuator reducing efficiency IJ22, IJ28, IJ42, IJ43 move the ink. Each actuator Multiple actuators can be need provide only a portion positioned to control ink flow of the force required. accurately Linear A linear spring is used to Matches low travel actuator Requires print head area for the spring IJ15 Spring transform a motion with with higher travel requirements small travel and high force Non-contact method of motion into a longer travel, lower transformation force motion. Reverse The actuator loads a Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11 spring spring. When the actuator High stress in the spring is turned off, the spring releases. This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection. Coiled A bend actuator is coiled Increases travel Generally restricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35 actuator to provide greater travel Reduces chip area implementations due to extreme fabrication in a reduced chip area. Planar implementations are difficulty in other orientations. relatively easy to fabricate. Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small Simple means of increasing Care must be taken not to exceed the elastic IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 actuator region near the fixture travel of a bend actuator limit in the flexure area point, which flexes much Stress distribution is very uneven more readily than the Difficult to accurately model with finite remainder of the actuator. element analysis The actuator flexing is effectively converted from an even coiling to an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip. Gears Gears can be used to Low force, low travel actuators Moving parts are required IJ13 increase travel at the can be used Several actuator cycles are required expense of duration. Can be fabricated using More complex drive electronics Circular gears, rack and standard surface MEMS Complex construction pinion, ratchets, and other processes Friction, friction, and wear are possible gearing methods can be used. Catch The actuator controls a Very low actuator energy Complex construction IJ10 small catch. The catch Very small actuator size Requires external force either enables or disables Unsuitable for pigmented inks movement of an ink pusher that is controlled in a bulk manner. Buckle A buckle plate can be used Very fast movement achievable Must stay within elastic limits of the S. Hirata et al, “An Ink- plate to change a slow actuator materials for long device life jet Head...”, Proc. into a fast motion. It can High stresses involved IEEE MEMS, Feb. also convert a high force, Generally high power requirement 1996, pp 418-423. low travel actuator into a IJ18, IJ27 high travel, medium force motion. Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can Linearizes the magnetic Complex construction IJ14 magnetic increase travel at the force/distance curve pole expense of force. Lever A lever and fulcrum is used Matches low travel actuator High stress around the fulcrum IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 to transform a motion with with higher travel requirements small travel and high force Fulcrum area has no linear into a motion with longer movement, and can be used for travel and lower force. The a fluid seal lever can also reverse the direction of travel. Rotary The actuator is connected High mechanical advantage Complex construction IJ28 impeller to a rotary impeller. A The ratio of force to travel of Unsuitable for pigmented inks small angular deflection of the actuator can be matched to the actuator results in a the nozzle requirements by rotation of the impeller varying the number of impeller vanes, which push the ink vanes against stationary vanes and out of the nozzle. Acoustic A refractive or diffractive No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu et al, lens (e.g. zone plate) acoustic Only relevant for acoustic ink jets EUP 550,192 lens is used to concentrate 1993 Elrod et al, EUP sound waves. 572,220 Sharp A sharp point is used to Simple construction Difficult to fabricate using standard VLSI Tone-jet conductive concentrate an processes for a surface ejecting ink-jet point electrostatic field. Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

[0058] Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume The volume of the actuator Simple construction High energy is typically Hewlett-Packard expansion changes, pushing the ink in in the case of required to achieve volume Thermal Inkjet all directions. thermal ink jet expansion. This leads to Canon Bubblejet thermal stress, cavitation, and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, The actuator moves in a Efficient coupling to High fabrication complexity IJ01, IJ02, normal to direction normal to the ink drops ejected may be required to achieve IJ04, IJ07 chip surface print head surface. The normal to the perpendicular motion IJ11, IJ14 nozzle is typically in the surface line of movement. Linear, The actuator moves parallel Suitable for planar Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, parallel to to the print head surface. fabrication Friction IJ15, IJ33, chip surface Drop ejection may still be Stiction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 normal to the surface. Membrane push An actuator with a high The effective area of Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins USP force but small area is the actuator becomes Actuator size 4,459,601 used to push a stiff the membrane area Difficulty of integration in membrane that is in contact a VLSI process with the ink. Rotary The actuator causes the Rotary levers may be Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, rotation of some element, used to increase May have friction at a pivot IJ13, IJ28 such a grill or impeller travel point Small chip area requirements Bend The actuator bends when A very small change Requires the actuator to be 1970 Kyser et al energized. This may be due in dimensions can be made from at least two USP 3,946,398 to differential thermal converted to a large distinct layers, or to have 1973 Stemme USP expansion, piezoelectric motion. a thermal difference across 3,747,120 expansion, the actuator IJ03, IJ09, magnetostriction, or other IJ10, IJ19 form of relative IJ23, IJ24, dimensional change. IJ25, IJ29 IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 IJ35 Swivel The actuator swivels around Allows operation Inefficient coupling to the IJ06 a central pivot. This where the net linear ink motion motion is suitable where force on the paddle there are opposite forces is zero applied to opposite sides Small chip area of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz requirements force. Straighten The actuator is normally Can be used with Requires careful balance of IJ26, IJ32 bent, and straightens when shape memory alloys stresses to ensure that the energized. where the austenic quiescent bend is accurate phase is planar Double bend The actuator bends in one One actuator can be Difficult to make the drops IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 direction when one element used to power two ejected by both bend is energized, and bends the nozzles. directions identical. other way when another Reduced chip size. A small efficiency loss element is energized. Not sensitive to compared to equivalent ambient temperature single bend actuators. Shear Energizing the actuator Can increase the Not readily applicable to 1985 Fishbeck causes a shear motion in effective travel of other actuator mechanisms USP 4,584,590 the actuator material. piezoelectric actuators Radial The actuator squeezes an Relatively easy to High force required 1970 Zoltan USP constriction ink reservoir, forcing ink fabricate single Inefficient 3,683,212 from a constricted nozzle. nozzles from glass Difficult to integrate with tubing as VLSI processes macroscopic structures Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils Easy to fabricate as Difficult to fabricate for IJ17, IJ21, or coils more tightly. The a planar VLSI non-planar devices IJ34, IJ35 motion of the free end of process Poor out-of-plane stiffness the actuator ejects the Small area required, ink. therefore low cost Bow The actuator bows (or Can increase the Maximum travel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 buckles) in the middle when speed of travel High force required energized. Mechanically rigid Push-Pull Two actuators control a The structure is Not readily suitable for IJ18 shutter. One actuator pulls pinned at both ends, inkjets which directly push the shutter, and the other so has a high out- the ink pushes it. of-plane rigidity Curl inwards A set of actuators curl Good fluid flow to Design complexity IJ20, IJ42 inwards to reduce the the region behind volume of ink that they the actuator enclose. increases efficiency Curl outwards A set of actuators curl Relatively simple Relatively large chip area IJ43 outwards, pressurizing ink construction in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclose a High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22 volume of ink. These Small chip area Not suitable for pigmented simultaneously rotate, inks reducing the volume between the vanes. Acoustic The actuator vibrates at a The actuator can be Large area required for 1993 Hadimioglu vibration high frequency. physically distant efficient operation at et al, EUP from the ink useful frequencies 550,192 Acoustic coupling and 1993 Elrod et crosstalk al, EUP 572,220 Complex drive circuitry Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet designs No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are Silverbrook, EP the actuator does not move. required to eliminate moving 0771 658 A2 and parts related patent applications Tone-jet

[0059] Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface After the actuator is Fabrication Low speed Thermal inkjet tension energized, it typically simplicity Surface tension force Piezoelectric returns rapidly to its Operational relatively small compared to inkjet normal position. This rapid simplicity actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ10- return sucks in air through Long refill time usually IJ14 IJ16, IJ20, the nozzle opening. The ink dominates the total IJ22-IJ45 surface tension at the repetition rate nozzle then exerts a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber High speed Requires common ink pressure IJ08, 1J13, oscillating is provided at a pressure Low actuator energy, oscillator IJ15, 1J17 ink pressure that oscillates at twice as the actuator need May not be suitable for IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 the drop ejection only open or close pigmented inks frequency. When a drop is the shutter, instead to be ejected, the shutter of ejecting the ink is opened for 3 half drop cycles: drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. Refill After the main actuator has High speed, as the Requires two independent IJ09 actuator ejected a drop a second nozzle is actively actuators per nozzle (refill) actuator is refilled energized. The refill actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positive ink The ink is held a slight High refill rate, Surface spill must be Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure. After therefore a high prevented 0771 658 A2 and the ink drop is ejected, drop repetition rate Highly hydrophobic print head related patent the nozzle chamber fills is possible surfaces are required applications quickly as surface tension Alternative for: and ink pressure both IJ01-IJ07, IJ10- operate to refill the IJ14 IJ16, IJ20, nozzle. IJ22-IJ45

[0060] Inlet back- flow restriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Long inlet The ink inlet channel to Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet channel the nozzle chamber is made Operational May result in a relatively Piezoelectric long and relatively narrow, simplicity large chip area inkjet relying on viscous drag to Reduces crosstalk Only partially effective IJ42, IJ43 reduce inlet back-flow. Positive ink The ink is under a positive Drop selection and Requires a method (such as a Silverbrook, EP pressure pressure, so that in the separation forces nozzle rim or effective 0771 658 A2 and quiescent state some of the can be reduced hydrophobizing, or both) to related patent ink drop already protrudes Fast refill time prevent flooding of the applications from the nozzle. ejection surface of the Possible This reduces the pressure print head. operation of in the nozzle chamber which the following: is required to eject a IJ01-IJ07, IJ09- certain volume of ink. The IJ12 IJ14, IJ16, reduction in chamber IJ20, IJ22, pressure results in a IJ23-IJ34, IJ36- reduction in ink pushed out IJ41 IJ44 through the inlet. Baffle One or more baffles are The refill rate is Design complexity HP Thermal Ink placed in the inlet ink not as restricted as May increase fabrication Jet flow. When the actuator is the long inlet complexity (e.g. Tektronix Tektronix energized, the rapid ink method. hot melt Piezoelectric print piezoelectric movement creates eddies Reduces crosstalk heads). ink jet which restrict the flow through the inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Flexible flap In this method recently Significantly reduces Not applicable to most inkjet Canon restricts disclosed by Canon, the back-flow for edge- configurations inlet expanding actuator (bubble) shooter thermal ink Increased fabrication pushes on a flexible flap jet devices complexity that restricts the inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located between Additional advantage Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, the ink inlet and the of ink filtration May result in complex IJ24, IJ27 nozzle chamber. The filter Ink filter may be construction IJ29, IJ30 has a multitude of small fabricated with no holes or slots, restricting additional process ink flow. The filter also steps removes particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inlet channel to Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared to the nozzle chamber has a May result in a relatively nozzle substantially smaller cross large chip area section than that of the Only partially effective nozzle , resulting in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuator Increases speed of Requires separate refill IJ09 controls the position of a the ink-jet print actuator and drive circuit shutter, closing off the head operation ink inlet when the main actuator is energized. The inlet is The method avoids the Back-flow problem is Requires careful design to IJ01, IJ03, located problem of inlet back-flow eliminated minimize the negative 1J05, 1J06 behind the by arranging the ink- pressure behind the paddle IJ07, IJ10, ink-pushing pushing surface of the IJ11, IJ14 surface actuator between the inlet IJ16, IJ22, and the nozzle. IJ23, IJ25 IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 IJ40, IJ41 Part of the The actuator and a wall of Significant Small increase in fabrication IJ07, IJ20, actuator the ink chamber are reductions in back- complexity IJ26, IJ38 moves to shut arranged so that the motion flow can be achieved off the inlet of the actuator closes off Compact designs the inlet. possible Nozzle In some configurations of Ink back-flow problem None related to ink back-flow Silverbrook, EP actuator does ink jet, there is no is eliminated on actuation 0771 658 A2 and not result in expansion or movement of an related patent ink back-flow actuator which may cause applications ink back-flow through the Valve-jet inlet. Tone-jet IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

[0061] Nozzle Clearing method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are No added complexity May not be sufficient to Most ink jet firing fired periodically, before on the print head displace dried ink systems the ink has a chance to IJ01-IJ07, dry. When not in use the IJ09-IJ12 nozzles are sealed (capped) IJ14, IJ16, against air. IJ20, IJ22 The nozzle firing is IJ23-IJ34, usually performed during a IJ36-IJ45 special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extra power In systems which heat the Can be highly Requires higher drive voltage Silverbrook, EP to ink heater ink, but do not boil it effective if the for clearing 0771 658 A2 and under normal situations, heater is adjacent May require larger drive related patent nozzle clearing can be to the nozzle transistors applications achieved by over-powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in Does not require Effectiveness depends May be used succession of rapid succession. In some extra drive circuits substantially upon the with: actuator configurations, this may on the print head configuration of the inkjet IJ01-IJ07, IJ09- pulses cause heat build-up at the Can be readily nozzle IJ11 IJ14, IJ16, nozzle which boils the ink, controlled and IJ20, IJ22 clearing the nozzle. In initiated by digital IJ23-IJ25, IJ27- other situations, it may logic IJ34 IJ36-IJ45 cause sufficient vibrations to dislodge clogged nozzles. Extra power Where an actuator is not A simple solution Not suitable where there is a May be used to ink normally driven to the where applicable hard limit to actuator with: pushing limit of its motion, nozzle movement IJ03, IJ09, actuator clearing may be assisted by IJ16, IJ20 providing an enhanced drive IJ23, IJ24, signal to the actuator. IJ25, IJ27 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A high nozzle High implementation cost if IJ08, IJ13, resonance applied to the ink chamber. clearing capability system does not already IJ15, IJ17 This wave is of an can be achieved include an acoustic actuator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 appropriate amplitude and May be implemented at frequency to cause very low cost in sufficient force at the systems which nozzle to clear blockages. already include This is easiest to achieve acoustic actuators if the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle A microfabricated plate is Can clear severely Accurate mechanical alignment Silverbrook, EP clearing pushed against the nozzles. clogged nozzles is required 0771 658 A2 and plate The plate has a post for Moving parts are required related patent every nozzle. The array of There is risk of damage to applications posts the nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressure The pressure of the ink is May be effective Requires pressure pump or May be used with pulse temporarily increased so where other methods other pressure actuator all IJ series that ink streams from all cannot be used Expensive ink jets of the nozzles. This may be Wasteful of ink used in conjunction with actuator energizing. Print head A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped Effective for planar Difficult to use if print Many ink jet wiper across the print head print head surfaces head surface is non-planar systems surface. The blade is Low cost or very fragile usually fabricated from a Requires mechanical parts flexible polymer, e.g. Blade can wear out in high rubber or synthetic volume print systems elastomer. Separate ink A separate heater is Can be effective Fabrication complexity Can be used with boiling provided at the nozzle where other nozzle many IJ series heater although the normal drop e- clearing methods ink jets ection mechanism does not cannot be used require it. The heaters do Can be implemented at not require individual no additional cost drive circuits, as many in some inkjet nozzles can be cleared configurations simultaneously, and no imaging is required.

[0062] Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electroformed A nozzle plate is Fabrication simplicity High temperatures and pressures are Hewlett Packard nickel separately fabricated from required to bond nozzle plate Thermal Inkjet electroformed nickel, and Minimum thickness constraints bonded to the print head Differential thermal expansion chip. Laser Individual nozzle holes are No masks required Each hole must be individually formed Canon Bubblejet ablatedor ablated by an intense UV Can be quite fast Special equipment required 1988 Sercel et al., SPIE, drilled laser in a nozzle plate, Some control over nozzle Slow where there are many thousands of Vol. 998 Excimer Beam polymer which is typically a profile is possible nozzles per print head Applications, pp. 76-83 polymer such as polyimide Equipment required is May produce thin burrs at exit holes 1993 Watanabe et al., or polysulphone relatively low cost U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 Silicon A separate nozzle plate is High accuracy is attainable Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE micromachined micromachined from single High cost Transactions on crystal silicon, and bonded Requires precision alignment Electron Devices, Vol. to the print head wafer. Nozzles may be clogged by adhesive ED-25, No. 10, 1978, pp 1185-1195 Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fine glass capillaries are No expensive equipment Very small nozzle sizes are difficult to form 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. capillaries drawn from glass tubing. required Not suited for mass production 3,683,212 This method has been used Simple to make single for making individual nozzles nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires sacrificial layer under the nozzle Silverbrook, EP 0771 surface deposited as a layer using Monolithic plate to form the nozzle chamber 658 A2 and related micromachined standard VLSI deposition Low cost Surface may be fragile to the touch patent applications using techniques. Nozzles are Existing processes IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11 VLSI etched in the nozzle plate can be used IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 lithographic using VLSI lithography and IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 processes etching. IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05, IJ06, IJ07 etched buried etch stop in the Monolithic Requires a support wafer IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13 through wafer. Nozzle chambers are Low cost IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19 substrate etched in the front of the No differential expansion IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 wafer, and the wafer is thinned from the back side. Nozzles are then etched in the etch stop layer. No Various methods have been No nozzles to become Difficult to control drop position accurately Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al nozzle tried to eliminate the clogged Crosstalk problems U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413 plate nozzles entirely, to 1993 Hadimioglu et al prevent nozzle clogging. EUP 550,192 These include thermal 1993 Elrod et al EUP bubble mechanisms and 572,220 acoustic lens mechanisms Trough Each drop ejector has a Reduced manufacturing Drop firing direction is sensitive to IJ35 trough through which a complexity wicking. paddle moves. There is no Monolithic nozzle plate. Nozzle slit The elimination of nozzle No nozzles to become Difficult to control drop position accurately 1989 Saito et al U.S. Pat. No. instead of holes and replacement by a clogged Crosstalk problems 4,799,068 individual slit encompassing many nozzles actuator positions reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves

[0063] Ejection direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the Simple construction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979 (‘edge surface of the chip, and No silicon etching required High resolution is difficult Endo et al GB patent shooter’) ink drops are ejected from Good heat sinking via substrate Fast color printing requires one print head 2,007,162 the chip edge. Mechanically strong per color Xerox heater-in-pit Ease of chip handing 1990 Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Tone-jet Surface Ink flow is along the No bulk silicon etching Maximum ink flow is severely restricted Hewlett-Packard TIJ (‘roof shooter’) surface of the chip, and required 1982 Vaught et al ink drops are ejected from Silicon can make an effective U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 the chip surface, normal to heat sink IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20 the plane of the chip. Mechanical strength IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP 0771 forward chip, and ink drops are Suitable for pagewidth print 658 A2 and related (‘up shooter’) ejected from the front High nozzle packing density patent applications surface of the chip. therefore low manufacturing IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24 cost IJ27-IJ45 Through chip, Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 reverse chip, and ink drops are Suitable for pagewidth print Requires special handling during IJ07, IJ08, IJ09, IJ10 (‘down ejected from the rear High nozzle packing density manufacture IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16 shooter’) surface of the chip. therefore low manufacturing IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25 cost IJ26 Through Ink flow is through the Suitable for piezoelectric print Pagewidth print heads require several Epson Stylus actuator actuator, which is not heads thousand connections to drive circuits Tektronix hot melt fabricated as part of the Cannot be manufactured in standard CMOS piezoelectric ink jets same substrate as the drive fabs transistors. Complex assembly required

[0064] Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, dye Water based ink which Environmentally friendly Slow drying Most existing inkjets typically contains: water, No odor Corrosive All IJ series ink jets dye, surfactant, humectant, Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771 and biocide. May strikethrough 658 A2 and related Modern ink dyes have high Cockles paper patent applications water-fastness, light fastness Aqueous, Water based ink which Environmentally friendly Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 pigment typically contains: water, No odor Corrosive IJ27, IJ30 pigment, surfactant, Reduced bleed Pigment may clog nozzles Silverbrook, EP 0771 humectant, and biocide. Reduced wicking Pigment may clog actuator mechanisms 658 A2 and related Pigments have an advantage Reduced strikethrough Cockles paper patent applications in reduced bleed, wicking Piezoelectric ink-jets and strikethrough. Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly volatile Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink jets Ketone (MEK) solvent used for industrial Prints on various substrates Flammable printing on difficult such as metals and plastics surfaces such as aluminum cans. Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2- used where the printer must Operates at sub-freezing Flammable butanol, and operate at temperatures temperatures others) below the freezing point of Reduced paper cockle water. An example of this Low cost is in-camera consumer photographic printing. Phase change The ink is solid at room No drying time- ink instantly High viscosity Tektronix hot melt (hot melt) temperature, and is melted freezes on the print medium Printed ink typically has a ‘waxy’ feel piezoelectric ink jets in the print head before Almost any print medium can Printed pages may ‘block’ 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No. jetting. Hot melt inks are be used Ink temperature may be above the curie 4,820,346 usually wax based, with a No paper cockle occurs point of permanent magnets All IJ series ink jets melting point around 80° C. No wicking occurs Ink heaters consume power After jetting the ink No bleed occurs Long warm-up time freezes almost instantly No strikethrough occurs upon contacting the print medium or a transfer roller. Oil Oil based inks are High solubility medium for High viscosity: this is a significant All IJ series ink jets extensively used in offset some dyes limitation for use in inkjets, which usually printing. They have Does not cockle paper require a low viscosity. Some short chain advantages in improved Does not wick through paper and multi-branched oils have a sufficiently characteristics on paper low viscosity. (especially no wicking or Slow drying cockle). Oil soluble dies and pigments are required. Microemulsion A microemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher than water All IJ series ink jets stable, self forming High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher than emulsion of oil, water, and Water, oil, and amphiphilic water based ink surfactant. The soluble dies can be used High surfactant concentration characteristic drop size is Can stabilize pigment required (around 5%) less than 100 nm, and is suspensions determined by the preferred curvature of the surfactant.

[0065] Ink Jet Printing

[0066] A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional and Number Filing Date Title Filing Date PO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,227,652 Apparatus (IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,213,588 Apparatus (IJ02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,213,589 Apparatus (IJ03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,231,163 Apparatus (IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,795 Apparatus (IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,394,581 Apparatus (IJ06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,244,691 Apparatus (IJ07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,257,704 Apparatus (IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,416,168 Apparatus (IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,220,694 Apparatus (IJ10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,257,705 Apparatus (IJ11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,794 Apparatus (IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,234,610 Apparatus (IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,793 Apparatus (IJ14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,264,306 Apparatus (IJ15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,241,342 Apparatus (IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,792 Apparatus (IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,264,307 Apparatus (IJ18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,254,220 Apparatus (IJ19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,234,611 Apparatus (IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,302,528) Apparatus (IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,283,582 Apparatus (IJ22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,239,821 Apparatus (IJ23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,338,547 Apparatus (IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,796 Apparatus (IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 09/113,122 Apparatus (IJ26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,390,603 Apparatus (IJ27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,362,843 Apparatus (IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,293,653 Apparatus (IJ29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,107 Apparatus (IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and 6,227,653 Apparatus (IJ31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and 6,234,609 Apparatus (IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,040 Apparatus (IJ33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,188,415 Apparatus (IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,227,654 Apparatus (IJ35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,209,989 Apparatus (IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,791 Apparatus (IJ37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,336,710 Apparatus (IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1398 19-Jan-98 An Image Creation Method 6,217,153 and Apparatus (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2592 25-Mar-98 An Image Creation Method 6,416,167 and Apparatus (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and 6,243,113 Apparatus (IJ41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3991 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,283,581 Apparatus (IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,247,790 Apparatus (IJ43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,260,953 Apparatus (IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,267,469 Apparatus (IJ45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

[0067] Ink Jet Manufacturing

[0068] Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Number Filing Date Title Filing Date PO7935 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,224,780 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7936 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,212 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7937 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,280,643 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8061 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,284,147 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8054 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,214,244 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8065 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,071,750 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8055 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,905 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8053 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,251,298 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8078 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,285 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7933 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,225,138 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7950 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,904 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7949 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,299,786 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8060 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,124 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8059 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,773 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8073 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,190,931 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8076 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,249 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8075 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,862 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8079 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,906 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8050 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,116 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8052 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,905 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7948 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,451,216 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7951 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,772 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8074 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,274,056 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7941 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,861 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8077 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,248 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8058 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,306,671 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8051 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,331,258 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8045 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,110,754 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7952 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,294,101 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8046 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,416,679 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8503 11-Aug- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,849 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9390 23-Sep- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,254,793 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9392 23-Sep- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0889 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,850 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0882 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0874 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1396 19-Jan- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,228,668 98 Creation Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2591 25-Mar- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,180,427 98 Creation Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,171,875 Creation Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,904 Creation Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,148 Creation Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

[0069] Fluid Supply

[0070] Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus 6,350,023 (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus 6,318,849 (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method (F3) 09/113,101 (Jul. 10, 1998)

[0071] MEMS Technology

[0072] Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS01) PO8006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) 09/113,081 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)

[0073] IR Technologies

[0074] Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. U.S. Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method 6,231,148 and Apparatus (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR02) 09/113,106 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR04) 6,293,658 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 09/113,104 Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0885 12-Dec-97 An Image Production System 6,238,033 (IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0884 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,070 Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,111 Apparatus (IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) 09/113,086 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method 09/113,094 and Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) 6,378,970 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR17) 6,196,739 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR18) 09/112,774 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR19) 6,270,182 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR20) 6,152,619 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR21) 09/113,092 (Jul. 10, 1998)

[0075] DotCard Technologies

[0076] Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. U.S. Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and 09/112,781 Apparatus (Dot01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and 09/113,052 Apparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998)

[0077] Artcam Technologies

[0078] Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. U.S. Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PO7991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,060 Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,476,863 Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,073 Apparatus (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,322,181 Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,747 Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8025 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,750 Apparatus (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,746 Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,743 Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7998 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,742 Apparatus (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,741 Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,669 Apparatus (ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,362,869 Apparatus (ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and 6,472,052 Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7980 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,356,715 Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,777 Apparatus (ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,224 Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,366,693 Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8024 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,329,990 Apparatus (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,072 Apparatus (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,785 Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8501 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,137,500 Apparatus (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,796 Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,071 Apparatus (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,398,328 Apparatus (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8497 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,090 Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,704 Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,222 Apparatus (ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,786 Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,415,054 Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,782 Apparatus (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,056 Apparatus (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,059 Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,486,886 Apparatus (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,381,361 Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,317,192 Apparatus (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,057 Apparatus (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,054 Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,752 Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,759 Apparatus (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,757 Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and 6,357,135 Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,107 Apparatus (ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,271,931 Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,353,772 Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,106,147 Apparatus (ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,790 Apparatus (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,304,291 Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,788 Apparatus (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,305,770 Apparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,289,262 Apparatus (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200 and Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10, 1998) 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for text editing an image comprising: a digital camera device able to sense an image; a manipulation data entry card adapted to be inserted into said digital camera device and to provide manipulation instructions to said digital camera device for manipulating said image, said manipulation instructions including the addition of text to said image; and a text entry device connected to said digital camera device for the entry of said text for addition to said image wherein said text entry device includes a series of non-roman font characters utilised by said digital camera device in conjunction with said manipulation instructions so as to create new text characters for addition to said image;
 2. An apparatus as claimed claim 1 wherein the font characters are transmitted to said digital camera device when required and rendered by said apparatus in accordance with said manipulation instructions so as to create said new text characters.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said manipulation data entry card includes a rendered roman font character set.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-roman characters include at least one of Hebrew, Cyrillic, Arabic, Kanji or Chinese characters.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said series of non-roman character fonts include path outlines for each font character.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said series of non-roman character fonts include path outlines for each font character. 